What’s happening at the training sessions and what’s next for both sides – The Athletic

Consecutive days of Ben Simmons present but mental and physical testing culminates in Philadelphia 76ers‘All-Star’ removed from Tuesday’s episode and suspended a game.

Those on the scene said Simmons has simply been coming and going inside the 76ers’ Camden, NJ facility since returning to practice Sunday. He entered the facility and ignored most of the 76ers employees. For example, when the 76ers security official greeted Simmons on Sunday, the three-time All-Star player just walked right beside him. When others say hello, Simmons is usually unresponsive. Simmons was not required to speak to those inside the facility, but those present said he lived a loose life and was not an active participant.

Every day, Simmons trains on his own on the basketball court, shooting jumpers and free-throws against his own goalie. The Sixers players saluted Simmons to start Sunday practice, saying: “Welcome, Ben!” Simmons nodded.

On Sunday and Monday, he completed less than a few defensive exercises in practice – nothing more and nothing less. He played several defensive positions in a practice game on Sunday. On Monday, Simmons took part in a drill, talking to G League coaches more than his 76ers coaches as the first team geared up for its opening game in New Orleans against Tyrese Maxey into Simmons’ place in the starting lineup, sources said. During his first two days of practice, Simmons didn’t sprint in the live script setting.